Man City transfer news: Balotelli to be jettisoned for Falcao cash

Date: 13th November 2012 at 11:28 am
Written by Christy Malyan | Comments Off on Man City transfer news: Balotelli to be jettisoned for Falcao cash

Manchester City’s bad-boy Mario Balotelli could soon be shown the exit door at Eastlands as Roberto Mancini prepares to launch a £45million bid for Ramodel Falcao.

According to the Daily Telegraph, the City boss travelled to Madrid to discuss the strike sensation’s potential transfer to the Premier League with agent Jorge Mendes on more than one occasion.

Falcao’s goal-scoring record has been prolific since joining Atletico Madrid from Porto for £35million in August 2011. The Columbian international has scored 49 goals in 60 appearances for his club, netting 13 times so far this season – including a hat-trick against Chelsea in the European Super Cup.

The lethal forward is one of Europe’s most desired players; however his huge price-tag proves to be a stumbling block for Mancini as City’s billionaire owners are not prepared to make funds available to the Italian coach who has spent lavishly since taking the reins at Eastlands.

It is believed City’s new Director of Football Txiki Begiristain has informed Mancini he must off-load one member of his strike force if he is to offer Atletico their £45million asking price for 26-year-old Falcao.

Whilst rumours speculate over disgruntled super-sub Edin Dzeko’s future at the Manchester club, who is reportedly on the top of Arsene Wenger’s January wish list, out of favour bad-boy Mario Balotelli could instead be jettisoned back to Serie A.

The Italian forward was not included in City’s matchday squad for their 2-1 home victory over Tottenham on Sunday, and is yet to score in the Premier League this season. The Citizens rejected a £40million offer for Balotelli in the summer, but Mancini has apparently grown tired of the 22-year-old’s lack of work ethic, passive performances and ill-disciplined out-bursts.

Balotelli’s agent has denied claims of a January move to A.C Milan or Inter Milan, who have both show an interest in signing the Italian International.

“There’s no Italy and no plans to go there,” said Mino Raiola.

“He’ll work until the end of his contract. He doesn’t want to leave.” Balotelli’s current deal expires in 2015.

“There’s no player happy with not playing in a game, but he accepts it.

“It’s all part of the game. It doesn’t mean he wants to leave Manchester.” He added.

Balotelli could have little say in the matter however, with Mancini desperate to win the race against the likes of Chelsea and Real Madrid to sign one of Europe’s most sublime finishers.